Public artwork for the new school in Gottsunda, Uppsala. Co-created with Ruben Wätte, under the project management of ArtPlatform for Uppsala Municipality, in collaboration with Hangmen.
The artwork created for Gottsundaskolan’s schoolyard consists of a circle of stone sculptures suitable for sitting, with a giant steel halo above that functions as lighting. The light slowly changes throughout the year and takes on a special character during the vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice. Each day of the year has a particular hue that complements the changing colors of nature. During the white-grey winter months, the light is pink. As spring brings green tones into the grey, the color shifts towards a brighter red. During the short blue summer nights, the light is golden yellow, and in the warm autumn colors, the halo takes on a blue light. The idea is that the transitions should not be noticeable but gradually change, and those who happen to be in the place during these pulsating moments get a break from the routine. It is a way to open up to the possibility that not everything has to be as we think or expect it to be.
On the stones, there are engravings in the form of symbols developed together with the students at Gottsundaskolan, embodying their wishes for the future. These symbols have been created with the same desire, a wish to find the heartfelt aspirations that are bigger and more important than we are accustomed to articulating for ourselves and each other. Together, the artwork creates a place to be, where there is openness to unexpected things happening, and where wishes can come true.
